When you decide to engage the services of a moving company, the factors you have to consider go beyond finances. It’s a paramount decision which requires you to trust a moving company with your possessions, to count on them to reach their destination intact, and to stick with the agreed price. Sadly, this is not always the scenario. Moving company frauds seem to be on the rise as there is an increasing number of people relocating over great distances and across states.
Beware of scams
Some moving companies have a genuine-looking online presence however they’re really skilled con artists that don’t finish moves, seize items belonging to customers when they move them, or charge extremely high fees for their services. Here are the most crucial warning signs and fraud by movers that you should keep an eye out for:
- Instances where the mover requires the client to accept blank contracts as well as other forms before they move.
- Always determine if there’s a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration registration.
- It’s a cause for worry if the company doesn’t accept credit cards and instead, they ask for payment of service in cash.
- A large number of complaints from customers are not being taken care of or not being addressed. There is also the absence of reviews.
- Inquiring for a substantial down payment prior to the move during off-peak seasons.
- The company offers instant quotes instead of having customers accept an examination on-site to determine the price.
Sometimes, scam movers in NYC might make it appear that they’re not able to communicate with their clients or respond to their queries on a regular basis. The reality, however, is that, as the person paying for the service, you are entitled to be aware about what’s happening. Consider it a serious warning signal if the company isn’t able to answer your inquiries or if you’re unable to get in contact with them, or they suddenly start responding to your inquiries when you’re about to make payment. If you’re in regular and polite talks with your moving company about their services and the costs connected with those services, you will be able to stop many moving scams from happening at all.
What is the ideal time to file a complaint against a scam?
If your rights as a customer are breached, or if you need to warn other customers about a business, filing a formal complaint is a proper thing to do. Be wary of any situations that are similar to those listed below as they may appear to be scams and may warrant filing an official complaint.
- Your belonging has taken hostage: Fraudulent moving companies may sometimes take your possessions hostage and try to pressure you to pay an additional amount.
- Overpays: The weight of your belongings, the distance to be traveled, and any additional services will all go into the total cost of moving. The increase in final cost should not be more than ten percent of the quoted amount.
While other instances like late delivery, damaged products, and poor service do not qualify for legal action but it’s nevertheless proper to file complaints about the issue. If you’re dealing with a professional and top-notch moving company the concerns you have should be considered seriously and the staff ought to do their best to solve the issues.
To stay clear of scams, select a trustworthy moving company
A personal screening process is a fantastic method to ensure you are not exposing yourself to a fraudulent moving company. It helps you to recognize warning signs used by con artists and helps you identify them. Make sure to do this when taking a look at other companies and analyzing your options:
- Make sure that the mover you choose offers an exhaustive written contract outlining all the obligations each party is responsible for.
- Make contact with reputable moving companies to verify their credentials. You should also verify if they have insurance and have been registered. By entering a moving company’s USDOT number through the FMCSA website, you will be able to see the company’s registration information.
- Cross-check the reviews published on the internet by a variety of review sites, such as the Better Business Bureau.
- Google Maps has a street-view option that lets you check the address of the company; use it.
- If you’re looking for a relocation firm, make sure you only deal with those who are eager to have everything recorded in writing. Estimates and quotes given on the phone aren’t legally binding in any way.
- To avoid unpleasant price increases, it’s best to get an in-house estimate from the moving company.
Remember that you can always solicit your friends, family members, and neighbors for referrals on legitimate moving companies like Zeromax with which they have worked with before. This can assist you to avoid doing business with people who could be fraudsters.
